Cody Casey
Air fryers are a versatile kitchen appliance that can cook a wide range of foods with less oil and mess than traditional frying methods. From crispy chicken wings and tenders to whole-roasted chicken and salmon, air fryers can produce excellent results with minimal effort. They are also great for vegetables, such as asparagus, carrots, and potatoes, as well as for reheating foods and even baking desserts. With an air fryer, you can enjoy your favourite fried foods with a healthier twist and less cleanup.
What can you cook in an air fryer?
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Meat | Chicken, Salmon, Steak, Pork Chops, Sausage, Crab Cakes, Burgers, Bacon |
| Vegetables | Potatoes, Green Beans, Brussels Sprouts, Asparagus, Carrots, Broccoli, Mushrooms, Zucchini, Cauliflower |
| Other | Pizza, Bagels, Fried Oreos, Chocolate, Ravioli, Tofu, Eggs |
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What You'll Learn
Chicken wings and chicken breasts
Chicken Wings
Chicken wings are a popular choice for air frying. They are considered a go-to option, and can be cooked in a healthier way than traditional deep frying. The air fryer method is also quicker than an oven cook and can create a crispier texture.
To prepare the wings, pat them dry with a paper towel to remove excess moisture, which will help them get crispy. You can then add a dry rub of spices, such as paprika, garlic powder, salt, and pepper, and a small amount of olive oil. Let the wings rest for 30 minutes to absorb the flavours.
Place the wings in the air fryer basket, ensuring they are not touching. You can stand them upright along the sides of the basket to fit more in. Cook for 10 minutes, and then increase the temperature and cook until they are golden brown. You can then coat them in hot sauce, or a combination of hot sauce, butter, or buffalo sauce.
Chicken Breasts
Chicken breasts are a versatile option for air frying, and can be used in salads, wraps, and sandwiches. They can be sliced thinly and coated in spices, brown sugar, and cornstarch, and then air-fried to create a juicy, golden, and crispy texture.
Brining the chicken breasts can help keep them juicy, and is done by salting the meat and letting it rest for 30 minutes before cooking. You can also use baking powder to create a crispy coating. The breasts should be cooked at 375 degrees Fahrenheit for 6 minutes, or 415 degrees Fahrenheit for 13 minutes, depending on their thickness. It is important not to overcook chicken breasts, as this can lead to dryness.
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Salmon and other fish
Salmon is a popular choice for air frying, with many recipes available online. It's a quick and easy way to cook salmon, resulting in a tender, flaky centre and a crispy exterior. The cooking time is typically under 10 minutes, depending on the thickness of the fillet and the model of the air fryer. It's recommended to cook salmon fillets that are of similar thickness to ensure even cooking.
Before cooking, you can season the salmon with a variety of spices and herbs. Some popular choices include garlic powder, paprika, salt, and pepper. You can also add olive oil or avocado oil to prevent the salmon from drying out and help the seasoning stick. Lemon wedges and tartar sauce are classic pairings with salmon, but it goes well with a variety of sauces, such as Greek yogurt sauce, honey mustard, or hot sauce.
There are also several glaze options for air-fried salmon. You can brush the salmon with a maple Dijon mixture (a combination of Dijon mustard and maple syrup), teriyaki sauce, or a smoky BBQ glaze made with smoked paprika and brown sugar. For a touch of sweetness and heat, a drizzle of spicy honey (a mixture of honey and hot sauce) can be added after cooking.
When cooking, it's best to place the salmon skin-side down in the air fryer. There's no need to flip the salmon during cooking, as the constant heat circulation will ensure even cooking. It's also important not to overcrowd the air fryer basket, as this can affect the cooking process.
In addition to salmon, other types of fish can also be cooked in an air fryer. Fish fillets, such as cod or halibut, can be prepared in a similar manner to salmon, with a variety of seasonings and glazes. It's important to note that the cooking time may vary depending on the thickness and type of fish.
Air fryers are a versatile appliance that can be used to cook a wide range of dishes, including proteins and vegetables. They are known for producing crispy results with minimal oil, making them a healthier alternative to traditional frying methods.
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Burgers and cheeseburgers
Air fryers are great for cooking burgers and cheeseburgers. They can be healthier, cleaner, and quicker than pan-frying or grilling. You can also cook the bacon and buns in the air fryer, which means less cleanup.
To make burgers in an air fryer, combine ground beef with salt, pepper, onion powder, and garlic powder in a bowl. Form the mixture into four equally-sized patties, about 1/2" thick. Make a small indent in the middle of each patty with your thumb to prevent the patties from swelling during cooking. Brush the patties with barbecue sauce, if desired. Preheat the air fryer to between 350°F and 400°F (depending on your recipe). Place the patties in a single layer in the air fryer basket and cook for 6 minutes. Flip the burgers and cook for an additional 3 to 5 minutes, or until the beef reaches 160°F. If you like cheese on your burger, add it after flipping the patties and cook for an additional minute.
You can also cook frozen burger patties in the air fryer. Preheat the air fryer to 370°F and add about 5 to 7 minutes to the cooking time, depending on the thickness of the patties. Use a meat thermometer to ensure the burgers are cooked to your desired level of doneness.
There are many other foods that can be cooked in an air fryer, including chicken, salmon, steak, pizza, potatoes, and vegetables. Air fryers can handle diverse ingredients and give excellent results with minimal effort.
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Vegetables, including potatoes and cauliflower
Air fryers are a great way to cook vegetables, including potatoes and cauliflower. Here are some tips and recipes to get you started.
Potatoes
When cooking potatoes in an air fryer, it is important to note that they are considered a firm vegetable and will take longer to cook. Cut the potatoes into small, evenly sized pieces to ensure even cooking. You can drizzle them with olive oil, avocado oil, or coconut oil, and add seasonings like garlic powder, onion powder, paprika, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper. Preheat your air fryer to 375°F (190°C) and cook the potatoes for 20 to 30 minutes, shaking the basket occasionally to promote even cooking.
Cauliflower
Cauliflower is a versatile vegetable that can be cooked in an air fryer. Cut the cauliflower into small florets, keeping them slightly larger than other vegetables to ensure even cooking. You can combine it with other vegetables like peppers, mushrooms, and squash, or cook it on its own. Drizzle with olive oil, avocado oil, or another neutral-flavored cooking oil, and season with salt and pepper, or Italian seasoning. Air fry at 375°F for 10 to 20 minutes, tossing occasionally, until the cauliflower is tender with some brown spots.
Combined Vegetable Recipes
You can also cook potatoes and cauliflower together with other vegetables for a tasty medley. Here are some combinations to try:
- Peppers, onion, mushroom, zucchini, and/or squash.
- Brussels sprouts, broccoli, carrots, and/or green beans.
- Asparagus, zucchini, red pepper, mushrooms, onion, carrot, and/or broccoli.
General Tips
- Avoid overcrowding the air fryer basket to ensure even cooking and browning. Work in batches if necessary.
- For frozen vegetables, increase the cooking time by a few minutes and drain any excess water halfway through.
- For a complete meal, serve your air-fried vegetables with quinoa, brown rice, chicken, or meatballs.
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Desserts, such as cakes and pies
Air fryers can be used to make a variety of cakes and pies. For cakes, you can make a fuss-free loaf cake, such as a lemon drizzle cake, in under an hour. You can also make a moist chocolate cake topped with fresh berries or confectioner's sugar. If you're looking for something more bite-sized, you can make chocolate ramekin cakes with a crisp top and gooey centre, or even mini cheesecakes.
If you're in the mood for something fruity, you can make pineapple upside-down cake or roast pineapple with cinnamon. You can also make apple crumble, or apple fritters topped with a cinnamon glaze. For a healthier option, try air-fried apples with cinnamon and orange zest, or honeyed pears with a store-bought crust and a spiced whipped topping.
If you're craving something more indulgent, you can make a cookie pie with two layers of toffee cookie and a melty layer of Nutella in the middle. You can also make classic chocolate chip cookies, peanut butter cookies, or brownies. For a more unique option, try air fryer beignets, which are deep-fried treats given a healthier twist by using less oil to achieve a crispy exterior.
For pies, you can make blueberry fried pies with a homemade blueberry filling and a store-bought crust, or strawberry Nutella hand pies. You can also make apple hand pies with just three ingredients.
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Frequently asked questions
Air fryers can be used to cook a variety of foods, including chicken wings, burgers, steaks, salmon, and vegetables like potatoes, asparagus, and Brussels sprouts.
Air fryers are versatile and can be used to cook things like pizza, crab cakes, fried oreos, and even desserts like apple pie "baked" apples or vegan zucchini chocolate cake.
Air fryers offer a healthier alternative to deep frying as they require less oil and create less mess. They also cook food faster than traditional ovens.
